India on Tuesday expressed deep concern over reports claiming that Ukraine attempted to target Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official residence in the northwestern Novgorod region, reiterating its call for restraint and renewed focus on diplomacy to end the ongoing conflict.
According to Russia, Ukraine launched an attempted attack using 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aimed at the presidential residence. Russian authorities said all drones were intercepted by air defence systems, with no casualties or damage reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and intended to justify further Russian military action.
Reacting to the reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India was “deeply concerned” by developments that could escalate tensions further. Stressing New Delhi’s consistent position on the Russia–Ukraine war, Modi said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to peace.
“Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most credible way to end hostilities. All concerned parties should remain focused on these efforts and avoid actions that could undermine them,” the Prime Minister said in a statement shared on social media.
Since the conflict began in February 2022, Modi has repeatedly maintained that this is not an “era of war” and that solutions cannot be found on the battlefield. He has conveyed this message directly to both President Putin and President Zelensky during multiple interactions.
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would review its negotiating position following the reported incident. Zelensky rejected the claim as “typical Russian lies,” asserting that Ukraine does not take steps that undermine diplomatic initiatives and accusing Moscow of using such narratives to justify further strikes.
The development comes amid renewed pressure from the United States on India to reduce its purchases of Russian oil and defence equipment. Earlier this month, however, India reaffirmed its policy of strategic autonomy during President Putin’s visit for the annual India–Russia summit, where both sides announced plans to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen energy security.